Wilmington, NC News

Commissioners vote 3 to 2 in favor of accepting family planning money

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — After weeks of public and even national outrage, New Hanover County Commissioners have voted in favor of nearly $9,000 in family planning funding. Last month, the board unanimously voted against accepting the money.

“When there is public outcry, when people are frustrated about a choice that local government has made, then the board of commissioners took another look at it and voted in the correct way,” said Patty Dillon, a spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood.

Public outcry is an understatement. Since Commissioners voted against accepting grant, the opposition has been incredible, even being reported on several national news sites.

“It’s unfortunate that they had to revisit the vote, but I really respect commissioner Davis’s decision to do that,” said Brandie Stork, who spoke during the public discussion portion of the meeting. “I think it was a good decision and just a good day for everyday.”

Commissioners voted three to two in favor of accepting the money to be used on IUD’s, a long-term form of birth control and the initial use proposed by the New Hanover County Health Department. Commissioners Jason Thompson and Brian Berger were the only ones who voted against accepting the money.

“It sends a message that the government, the board of commissioners respect women and allow women to make family planning choices for themselves and their families,” Dillon said.

Chairman Ted Davis, who was originally very vocal about not accepting the funding, apologized to all the people he offended and says the board did the right thing by reconsidering the vote.

This entry was posted
on Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012 at 12:04 am and is filed under Wilmington.
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